Hall of Fame
Darrell Flake only played two seasons with the McKendree men's basketball program, yet he had one of the most dominant careers in Bearcat history in that short span. Darrell was a dominant force in the paint both offensively and defensively as McKendree enjoyed an extended run as one of the top programs in Division I of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
A two-year starter at forward for McKendree, Darrell posted a career total of 1,499 points. While that figure stands 24th on the Bearcats' all-time scoring list, it is the highest point output by a two-year player in the program's lengthy history. Darrell averaged 21.1 points while at McKendree, including a team-leading 23.7 points per contest as a senior in 2001-02. With a smooth shooting touch, Darrell connected on 68.1 percent of his field goal attempts, which is the highest percentage in program history.
In addition to his proficiency as a scorer, Darrell was just as effective in the rebounding department. Over his 71-game career with McKendree, Darrell hauled in 633 rebounds. He averaged just under nine rebounds per outing, and finished second on the team in rebounding in each of his two seasons with the Bearcats.
As a jwrior in 2000-01, Darrell led all of NAIA Division I in field goal percentage by hitting 67.7 percent of his shots from the field. He also averaged 18.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest as McKendree posted 27 victories and earned a bid to the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship. He followed that with an even more memorable season as a senior in 2001-02. In addition to leading the Bearcats in scoring at 23. 7 points per game, Darrell pulled down 8.9 rebounds per outing while shooting 68.4 percent from the field. He helped McKendree to the American Midwest Conference Tournament championship and a No. 2 seed at the NAIA national tournament. His 831 points scored as a senior ranks second on the Bearcats' single-season chart.
Post-season honors were plentiful for Darrell in his two years at McKendree. He was a two-time first-team All-Conference selection in the AMC and collected conference Player of the Year accolades as a senior. Darrell earned honorable mention All-America status from the NAIAin 2000-01 before being named as a first-team All-America selection a year later.
Following his playing days at McKendree, Darrell went on to a productive basketball career overseas. While starring in Iceland's Premier League, Darrell won consecutive Player of the Year awards in 2006-07 and 2007-08 while playing for Skallagrimur.
